VIDEO: Santander’s Total Wipeout challenge in aid of the NSPCC

Amanda Devlin

Teams from Santander in Milton Keynes put their strength and agility to the test today as they faced a barrage of foam and water in a charity remake of the popular TV game show Total Wipeout.

Santander built a replica of the hit TV show’s aquatic obstacle course and staff threw themselves into Santander’s goal of raising vital funds for the ChildLine School Service.

Milton Keynes Santander team take on Total Wipeout challenge

The event is part of the Charity of the Year partnership with the NSPCC, which aims to raise £1 million in 2014 for the ChildLine Schools Service.

April Armstrong, charity partnerships manager for Santander said: “The energy and enthusiasm shown by our staff has been inspiring.

“Staff voted for the NSPCC to be our chosen charity for 2014 and they have really shown their commitment to the cause.

“By taking on this unique challenge, they’ve raised lots of money and had fun.”

The money raised will go towards the NSPCC’s Now I Know appeal, which will enable ChildLine Schools Service volunteers to visit every primary school in Milton Keynes to talk to children about abuse, how to protect themselves and where to get help if they need it.

By helping children understand and identify abuse in an age appropriate way, the NSPCC hopes that its ChildLine Schools Service can encourage children to speak out earlier and protect themselves and others from the devastating effects of abuse.

Peter Wanless, chief executive of the NSPCC, said: “We are thrilled to have been chosen by Santander staff as their Charity of the Year and are looking forward to working with them throughout 2014.

“The money raised from the partnership will fund the pioneering ChildLine Schools Service, which helps primary school children understand abuse, giving them the confidence to talk about it, the knowledge to prevent it, and the courage to find help if they ever need it.

“On behalf of those children, we want to thank everyone at Santander for their support.”

April added: “Our Charity of the Year partnership is a key part of our commitment to the community.

“Together with our employees, customers and suppliers we’ve raised millions of pounds for our charity partners over the past few years.

“I’m delighted that as a result of our support for the NSPCC we will be able to help protect a generation of children.”

In addition to fundraising, Santander staff have been encouraged to volunteer to help deliver the service in schools in their local area, enabling them to witness first-hand how the service helps protect children and prevent abuse.

For more information about the Now I Know appeal, visit: www.nowiknow.org.uk